By Irma Janauskaitė, LRT RADIO, LRT.lt.
Lithuania will evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of deploying small modular nuclear reactors, as officials weigh energy security needs against concerns over cost and safety.
Representatives of the nuclear energy sector say that building several such reactors could secure a steady supply of relatively low-cost electricity. However, nongovernmental organisations remain sceptical, noting that no small modular reactors are currently operating in Western countries, raising questions about their safety and price reliability.
Small modular reactors, or SMRs, are a new generation of nuclear power plants distinguished by their smaller capacity, typically up to 300 megawatts, compared with traditional reactors that often exceed 1,000 megawatts.
Energy Minister Žygimantas Vaičiūnas said Lithuania is gradually returning to discussions on nuclear energy for two main reasons: its historical experience in the field and the need to diversify energy sources.
Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant in north-eastern Lithuania generated electricity between 1983–2009.
Read more: LRT.LT
